Stewardship is the care and nurturing of all aspects of our UUCSS community. Many members of our congregation take part in these activities. Stewardship also requires the financial support necessary for the growth and stability of our congregation. We hold a stewardship drive every year in the fall, asking congregants to make a financial commitment to the congregation by pledging a Fair Share of their income. This Fair Share is defined and recommended by the UUA. We have no parent organization that offers our congregation financial aid. In fact, a significant portion of our budget goes to support the UUA locally and nationally, and 85% of that budget is pledge-supported.
The theme of this year’s Stewardship Campaign is our Unitarian Universalist mission of reaching out to others while at the same time building our community. Pledging is the most tangible way of showing commitment to the values we share. Our financial support confirms our commitment to the congregation and allows for future planning. Our 2012 pledges support our immediate goals for the coming year.
*2012 Stewardship Drive Update*
The following is the latest summary of the 2012 Stewardship Drive:
• The total amount of pledges for 2012 is $165,278.
• This total is inclusive of the Wilkes’ matching challenge. Had we not had the additional funds from the match, our 2012 pledge revenue would have been $4,807 less than 2011’s pledge total.
• We have received 108 pledges so far for 2012, down from 111 for the entire duration of 2011.
• 70 pledge units increased their pledge from last year.
• 25 pledge units increased their pledge by more than 10% (thereby meeting the Wilkes’ challenge).
• 1 new member pledged more than $2,000 (thereby meeting the Wilkes’ challenge).
• 19 pledge units we canvassed did not pledge this year for varying reasons. These pledges totaled $16,680 (or 10% of total pledge revenue) for 2011. Six of these were former Members.
• There were 17 new pledge units this year; theirs totaled $14,400.
• Not all active Members have pledged for 2012.
Although we were off to a very strong 2012 pledge campaign, we are in about the same financial situation as we were last year. This means that we can keep the status quo but are not able to offer raises to our church employees: our Minister, Administrator, Director of Religious Education, Director of Music, Nursery Caregiver, Nursery Coordinator, and Housekeeper. It was our goal to raise $175,000 in order to be able to offer these raises as well as set up a Building & Grounds emergency fund.
This year we are going to need to continue to focus on revenues for the church. Since we have not yet been able to raise the additional $10,000 from pledges, it is even more imperative to establish fundraising events to supplement our pledge income. Please stay tuned to hear how you can get involved in revenue generating projects at the church.
Thank you again to all who helped with the pledge campaign and pledged for 2012.
Rachel McCracken
rachel.rebecca.mccracken@gmail.com
